How do I decide whether I need an emergency appointment to see my orthodontic clinician?
Patients can normally encounter various problems with their braces while undergoing orthodontic treatment. The majority of these issues are minor, will not compromise the progression of their treatment and can be addressed at your next appointment with your orthodontic clinician.
In the first instance, if you experience a problem with your brace you are advised to follow the instructions to manage breakages/irritation/ discomfort that were provided by their orthodontic clinician when you had your brace fitted. If however, you are experiencing pain and a high level of discomfort, we would advise you to contact the clinician, orthodontic/dental practice or hospital department that is providing your care for further advise.
Please note as of Monday 23rd March 2020, Public Health England has instructed the public to stay at home, except for very limited purposes. In these current circumstances, when you contact your orthodontic clinician you may be provided advice via telephone initially and informed of ways to manage your problems at home. Your clinician should be able to further advise you and inform you if it is appropriate, if it is necessary for you to be seen or travel and where you can access treatment to see a clinician to address your brace.
Alternatively, you can refer to British Orthodontic Society Fact Sheet relating to orthodontic emergencies and your orthodontic provider.
Can I have a telephone/video consultation with an orthodontic clinician?
Please note as of Monday 23rd March 2020, Public Health England has instructed the public to stay at home, except for very limited purposes. In these current circumstances the orthodontic/dental practice or hospital department that is providing your care may provide telephone or video consultations for you. We would advise you to contact your orthodontic treatment provider (practice or hospital department) to confirm whether you can arrange a telephone or video consultation. Orthodontic Hospital departments are making arrangements to contact patients under their care to provide them with details of how to arrange and access video consultations via online portals such as NHS Attend Anywhere. Alternatively, you can refer to British Orthodontic Society web page relating to virtual consultations for further information.
Will my treatment be orthodontic prolonged if I cannot see my orthodontic clinician?
The duration of each patient’s orthodontic treatment can vary on an individual basis and depends on several factors including the appliance currently worn, the overall treatment plan, whether dental extractions have been carried out as part of the treatment and the stage of your treatment. Whether you are having fixed braces (metal or clear attachments, lingual braces), removable appliances or aligner treatment, the duration of your treatment may be extended if you are unable to see your orthodontic clinician on a regular basis. In these current circumstances, we advise patients to expect their orthodontic treatment to be prolonged. However, to minimise any potential increase in the duration of your orthodontic treatment, we would recommend you follow the instructions provided by your orthodontic clinician relating to the care and maintenance of your orthodontic brace. Please refer to the British Orthodontic Society Patient Information leaflets for further advice relating to the care of your braces
How do I look after my braces in the meantime, if I cannot see my orthodontic clinician?
To reduce the need for emergency appointments and a potential increase in the duration of your treatment, it is very important that you look after your braces in terms of maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene and avoiding breakages.
Breakages
- Avoid hard, sticky and chewy sweets and foods. Remember to cut up foods such apples, carrots and crusty bread before eating them.
- Avoid sticky, chewy or hard sweets, mints and sugared chewing gum
- Preventing damage to the tooth enamel and gums
- Avoid sugary snacks/drinks between meals and at bedtime
- Avoid fizzy drinks (including diet drinks and sports drinks) and large amounts of fruit juice
- Brush your teeth for 2 minutes at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Rinse your teeth at a separate time to tooth brushing with a alcohol free fluoride mouthwash on a daily basis
Please refer to the British Orthodontic Society Patient Information leaflets for further advice relating to the care of your braces